Featured Hall of Famer: Mike Ditka

April 11, 2006

Desire and determination, that's Iron Mike Ditka. A native of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Mike attended Aliquippa High School before enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh. At 6-3, and 215-pounds, Ditka was a three-year letterman and starter for the Panthers. He became one of the greatest tight ends to ever play college or pro football. In 1958, as a sophomore, he led the Pitt team in catches with 18 for 252 yards and his punting averaged 42.5 yards. As a junior, he once again led the team with 16 catches for 249 yards, while averaging 38.3 yards per punt. As team captain in 1960, Mike was the leading receiver, 11 for 229 yards, and unanimous All-America two-way end. He was also named to Pitt's All-Time team. Upon graduation he was a first round pick of the Chicago Bears. He played with the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys during his pro career. His performance and attitude became the standard against which other tight ends are measured. Ditka was head coach of the Chicago Bears from 1982 to 1991; his 1985 team won the Super Bowl.